Report: Ares
Pics: Rajtilak Naik
Daijiworld Media Network Goa
 

Panaji, Feb 3: Carnival float parade in Panaji on Feb 2, 2008 heralded the carnival celebration in this erstwhile portuguese colony where mythological character of King momo will rule the state for next three days.

The float parade was flagged off today by chief minister Digamber Kamat in presence of tourism minister fransisco Pacheco in the capital city of Panaji. 

Thousands throned Dayanand Bandodkar road in the city witness the parade which had Brazilian touch. The King Momo's traditional float was followed by Brazilian float, which is participating for the first time. 

This was for the first time that any international community has participated in this state sponsored float parade.  

"Carnival is a time when we expect more than 50,000 tourist to visit the state. People like this celebrations because of the fanfare attached to it," tourism minister Fransisco Pacheco said.  

The float parade which began from below the twin bridges in the city culminated at Kala academy after traversing through four kilometers stretch.

Various floats based on the themes participated in the parade, which had Brazilian float spreading the message of  brotherhood and partnership between both the nations.

Amongst various other floats, the float by children's right groups was the attraction where children from all age groups conveyed the message of child-friendly state.